The Official AFC Championship Game is fixed Thread...

From the realm of “things that probably won’t matter but might” comes a little tidbit that might be troubling to the New England Patriots and their fans. Veteran referee Ed Hochuli will head the officiating crew for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game matchup between the Patriots and Denver Broncos, it was reported over the weekend by FootballZebras.com and later confirmed by the NFL. On the face of it, that seems like great news. Hochuli’s seen it all from an officiating standpoint and is one of the most recognizable officials in sports. But Patriots beat writer and amateur historian Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald dug up some background on Hochuli calling Broncos games, and the results aren’t promising for New England.

Analysis: The NFL was probably doing itself a service when it avoided pairing Hochuli with Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who said in September that Hochuli told him he wasn't "old enough" to earn a roughing penalty. Hochuli denied it to the NFL and there was no audio of the exchange.

DTV could make some extra cash if they offered an alternate audio feed on the games. I'd pay an extra $100 a year if I could get field audio instead of commentators. I'd love to be able to hear what is said on the field.

DTV could make some extra cash if they offered an alternate audio feed on the games. I'd pay an extra $100 a year if I could get field audio instead of commentators. I'd love to be able to hear what is said on the field.

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i listen to the games on Sirius and mute Phil Simms and Jon Gruden.

i have to synch up the tv to my phone app (2 mins behind) but it's worth it.

From the realm of “things that probably won’t matter but might” comes a little tidbit that might be troubling to the New England Patriots and their fans. Veteran referee Ed Hochuli will head the officiating crew for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game matchup between the Patriots and Denver Broncos, it was reported over the weekend by FootballZebras.com and later confirmed by the NFL. On the face of it, that seems like great news. Hochuli’s seen it all from an officiating standpoint and is one of the most recognizable officials in sports. But Patriots beat writer and amateur historian Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald dug up some background on Hochuli calling Broncos games, and the results aren’t promising for New England.